‘The Amityville Horror’ Blu-ray Review (Second Sight)
Stars: James Brolin, Margot Kidder, Rod Steiger, Don Stroud, Murray Hamilton, John Larch, Natasha Ryan, K.C. Martel, Meeno Peluce, Michael Sacks, Helen Shaver | Written by Sandor Stern | Directed by Stuart Rosenberg
When films say they are based on true stories, it is easy to take such statements with a pinch of salt. The Amityville Horror though is one that is so enshrined in pop culture that it has a whole legend built up around it, whether it is true or not. Second Sight have now brought the popular horror to Blu-ray in the UK and it is well worth buying.
The Amityville Horror is the story of the Lutz family, who move into the perfect family home on the coast of Long Island. Surprised at how cheap it was, it soon becomes apparent why when the shocking history of the house is revealed, along with the demonic presence that resides there.
The spookiest part of The Amityville Horror has to be the start of the movie, with the ominous house becoming visible as creepy kids sing in the background. From then on though we are presented with a fairly typical ghost story. What makes The Amityville Horror stand out though is the impressive cast. With James Brolin, Margot Kidder, and Rod Steiger providing the star power, it makes for an unforgettable film.
What makes The Amityville Horror most interesting though is the truth behind the so-called haunting. If you’ve ever read the history of the Lutz family, and before them the DeFeo family, then you’ll know where things get complicated. For those that don’t know about it, all the details are held on this very impressive release from Second Sight.
Looking at the special features, not only do you get a commentary track by Dr. Hans Holzer who talks about his findings about the house, but you also get My Amityville Horror, a feature-length documentary about Daniel Lutz.
This documentary is well worth watching and show just how the events in the house effects Lutz. Whatever happened there, supernatural or not affected the man, and reveals a lot about The Amityville Horror itself. People who are interested in the Warrens will also be interested as Lorraine Warren does appear in My Amityville Horror (and if you are keen-eyed enough you even get to see the real Annabelle). What these special features do though is reveal the truth behind The Amityville Horror, and that is there doesn’t need to be ghosts in the house to do the damage that was done. It is more the human element that can damage the residents of the house, even long after they have left it.
Along with the special features looking at the supernatural side of The Amityville Horror there are also interviews with people like James Brolin, Meeno Peluce (who played one of the kids in the film) and Sandor Stern, the screenwriter for the film. It is this wealth of extra content that really makes this release stand out.
Second Sight have done a very good job with this release, and the new restored version of The Amityville Horror is impressive. For any fans of the film, whatever your beliefs may be about the truth of the haunting, this is one of the best releases the film has been given for years.
***** 5/5
The Amityville Horror Limited Edition Steelbook Blu-ray is available in the UK now.
